Manuel H. Perez, 67
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Manuel Henry "Hank" Perez, 67, of 150 Ashland St. and a former resident of 16 Pines Lodge Park, Williamstown, died early Friday morning, Nov. 12, 2004, at North Adams Commons following a long illness.
Born in Tempe, Ariz., on Nov. 26, 1936, son of Manuel and Enidina Perez, he was of Native-American and Mexican descent and left his home at an early age to become an apprentice jockey in California.
Mr. Perez followed the racetrack circuit throughout the West and Midwest. During the 1950s, he was one of the leading jockeys in the country and rode for such notables as Bing Crosby.
In the 1960s, he came to Green Mountain Race Track in Pownal, Vt., where he worked as a thoroughbred exerciser and groom. While there, he was employed by John Tietgens and many other trainers.
When Green Mountain closed to horse racing, he moved to the Boston area, where he worked at various jobs.
He returned to the Berkshires five years ago. He had been a resident of Williamstown for 27 years.
Mr. Perez was a fan of the Boston Red Sox.
Survivors include his friends and caregivers, John and Ellen Tietgens of Clarksburg.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A Memorial Mass for Mr. Perez will be celebrated Friday morning, Nov. 19, at 10 at St. John Bosco Church in Stamford, Vt., by the Rev. Joseph Tate, pastor. Burial will be private.
There will be no calling hours. FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, CENTRAL CHAPELS, at 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247 is in charge of arrangements.